Our Story

Smarter Directions, LLC was founded to help businesses, charter schools and non-profit organizations discover and achieve their unique, ultimate purposes. By coming alongside management teams and/or boards, we lend our expertise to drive better planning, governance and financial management of your organization and get you headed in the right direction.
Doug Hering’s experience in non-profits and charter schools allows him to knowledgably guide for-profit and non-profit organizations to gain clarity, make better financial decisions, and set goals for achievement.

10+ Years Charter School Oversight

Working with charter schools, managing financial operations, creating financial strategy and plans, and helping schools stay compliant with state and federal regulations.

5+ Years Inspirational Speaking

Professional speaking aimed primarily at charter schools, teachers, and school organizations. Network organized for school and board development and strategic planning.

5+ Years International Non-Profit Board

Helping provide oversight and guidance to a $4 million non-profit that serves orphans in Africa, Eastern Europe, India, and South America.

Certified Management Accountant

Institute of Management Accountants
IMA, the association of accountants and financial professionals in business, is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession.

25+ years experience

Doug has over 25 years of financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting experience in large and small companies, in for profit, not for profit and government sectors

Published Author

International Magazine of Christian Publishing
In 2001, Doug’s article, “Inventory Management” was published by the International Magazine of Christian Publishing.

Our Partners

We have developed strategic relationships with businesses to provide solid recommendations for your business or school's related needs.

Financial and Insurance

Managed IT / Networking Support

Summit Financial Group

We partner with Summit Financial Group www.yoursummit.com for you and your organization’s financial and insurance needs.

Charter Tech Services

We partner with Charter Tech Services for your school and business’ managed IT needs. They offer onsite and remote tech support, technology planning, e-rate filing, professional development and technology classes.

Meet The Team

Doug Hering

Owner

My life is dedicated to making the lives of others better. For the last 28 years, I have worked in the financial field. I received my MBA from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs in 2000, which reinforced work I had already been doing with strategic planning, budgeting, financial planning, audit support, financial analyzing and more, for both non-profit and for-profit businesses. I especially love working with charter schools, having served as a CFO and business consultant for over 12 years.
In addition to my love of operations improvement, I have a passion for non-profit work.

Marianne Hering

Writer

Marianne Hering is a prolific writer, having written hundreds of articles and a number of books for children and parents. She has worked for years as a book and magazine editor, which has including ghost writing for various authors. She has been in the publishing world for over twenty years.

Get in Touch

Contact us to see how we can help your school, business, or non-profit take a smarter direction towards financial health.

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About Us

Smarter Directions is financial planning and strategy consultant, dedicated to serving the needs of charter schools and businesses throughout Colorado Springs. We have over a decade in management and strategy consulting.